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Ariana

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Ariana: Love always finds a way home
On the back of an unhappy marriage and bitter divorce, stressed out Ariana Carter-Cruz, returns to the remote Greek island of Sakros, to claim the estate of her late grandmother, Sophia. A straightforward affair - go there, sell the house, get out - and start a new life with her daughter. What she didn’t factor into her plans was that stunning, local taverna owner and harbour master, Nikki Kefalas would still be living on the island.
As past lovers collide and young love blossoms, Ariana’s preconceived plan stands to threaten everything she holds dear and destroy the island’s unspoilt, idyllic way of life. But Sophia had plans of her own before her death. Will she succeed in reconnecting her granddaughter’s heart to what truly matters in life?
"Emma Nichols best book yet. Both the story and her descriptions of the idyllic Greek island setting are first class and make this summer romance just zing." Valden Bush, Lesfic Reviewer

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 12, 2018

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About the author

Emma Nichols

14 books184 followers
Emma Nichols lives in Buckinghamshire with her partner and two children. She served for 12 years in the British Army, studied Psychology and an MBA, and published several non-fiction books under another name, in sports peak performance, before dipping her toes into the world of lesbian fiction.

Emma's bestselling lesbian romance books are: Finding You, Remember Us, The Hangover, Forbidden, Ariana and Madeleine.

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5 stars
189 (51%)
4 stars
98 (26%)
3 stars
67 (18%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Loek Krancher.
1,042 reviews56 followers
August 13, 2018
Delightful love story!

Things between them ended abruptly and without any explanation. When an inheritance brings her back to Greece, sparks reignites but can they ever get past their history? Can they risk their heart a second time? The characters were endearing and the chemistry was great. The emotional connection between all the main characters is so palpable. You can feel that they truly care about each other. This story has all the feelings that you love to have in a romance. For me this is an epic love story and highly recommended.
Profile Image for Linda.
788 reviews116 followers
December 2, 2018
Just an ok read for me - I’m one of the exceptions here. Find the pace too slow at times and draggy - like they are just going round in circles/tip-toeing around the issues at hand and not discussing the elephant in the room.

Ratings - 2.75 ⭐️
Profile Image for Val.
412 reviews14 followers
July 24, 2018
Room for improvement

3.5 rounded to 4. I have mixed feelings about this book. It’s a sweet love story albeit a bit predictable. There were a couple of things that drove me absolutely batty. One is that there seemed to be some issue with typos in regards to exclamation points and question marks. When it seemed a question mark would be appropriate, there was an exclamation point and vice versa. Weird. The other thing that drove me crazy was the number of times the author used the phrase “sucked air through his teeth”. I’m not altogether certain what that actually means but it has to have been written at least 30 times in this story. Okay, to be fair, I don’t know exactly how many times it’s in the book but it is used a shit ton of times!
Profile Image for Bev Joy.
51 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2018
'Ariana is the must read book of the summer! This is the eagerly awaited fifth Lesfic novel by Emma Nichols which tells two beautiful love stories set in a gorgeous location.

The book is about love, family, loyalty and hope.

From the first few pages this book grabbed my attention and I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down. It’s very rare that I pick up a book and as soon as I finish it I want to read it again!

Emma has the amazing ability to craft a story that immediately captures your attention and compels you to read on … and she makes it appear effortless.

The plot is fast paced and believable with characters who you quickly care about. The location is described beautifully, when you read Ariana you can almost feel the sun on your face and taste the sun burnt salty olives. .... And it wouldn’t be an Emma Nichols novel without the mention of food …… oh and a drop of alcohol thrown in for good measure.

This is the perfect summer read to immerse yourself in. A story about timeless and enduring love and makes you believe that love really can conquer all'.
Profile Image for terry.
288 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2018
Loved it!!!

I loved Ariana and Nikki and how they had both felt the effects of Ariana leaving 20years earlier. Ariana in a loveless Marriage and an overpowering Mother to Nikki who never got over Ariana and waited for her to come back to the island. Steph and Giania falling in love was also exciting since it kinda echoed what happened with Nikki and Ariana when they first fell in love with each other. The story was well written and keeps you guessing as to what’s going to happen next. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,078 reviews82 followers
August 13, 2018
Really enjoyed it - but you have to with EM when she's on a roll. All a little too pat - go with the rolls and don't look too hard at the detailed script! Thanks
Profile Image for Heidi.
701 reviews30 followers
October 9, 2018
After 20 years apart the main characters Nikki and Ariana reunite. Some challenges and surprises are put in the way of their relationship. Not only is their love story unfolding but Ariana’s daughter is falling in love too. Very sweet story.
Profile Image for Woody.
230 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2018
Captivating love story in a picturesque setting, a perfect read
Story of Ariana being forced to leave the island of Sakros and her girlfriend Nikki, now returning after 20 years in order to settle up the house and estate of her late grandmother Sophia.
Nikki was the woman she left behind heartbroken. Ariana returns to Sakros with her daughter Soph. Once there she begins to realise how selling the estate will affect the lives of others. It is a delightful love story of two half’s the one between Ariana and Nikki and the other between Soph and Gianna.
Beautifully descriptive scenes of the island of Sakros that enable it so easy to visualise the island, and make you want to visit it. Well written by Emma Nichols with an easy flowing style making it a perfect holiday romance read.
Profile Image for Cassandra Lemard.
59 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2018
Another great read!

Ariana: Love always finds a way home is set on the beautiful island of Sakros, in Greece. We are introduced to Ariana whom has returned to the island, to settle on her late grandmother's estate. During her time in Sakros, Ariana reconnects with her first love Nikki, falls in love with the isalnd all over again, and battles with her heart desires, aswell as coming to terms with new revelations.

Whilst Ariana is fighting with the past, present and future, her daughter Soph is falling madly in love. Watching two stories unfold at the same time, was captivating and kept me engaged throughout.

I have loved reading the newest edition to the Emma Nichols collection, and can't recommend the book enough.

Happy Reading =]
Profile Image for Vanessa Mace.
22 reviews
July 28, 2018

I loved this book. I loved how descriptive the way of life was in the book - Ariana. It made me feel as though in my minds eye I was there, on the small island seeing where they were living, the cliffs, the water, everything. The story of Ariana and Nikki is at times heart wrenching. There are interesting twists that really caught me off guard because I was left speechless, but needed to continue reading because I needed to know. The secondary storyline, Soph and Gianna is beautifully written and handled sweetly. Deja vu for Ariana and Nikki. I hope there is a second book to come!! I Love Ariana and Nikki.
Profile Image for DR.
513 reviews
September 12, 2018
I want to move to a Greek island, swim in the sea, and eat fried calamari with french fries. Without being maudlin, Miss Nichols paints her characters into a tranquil landscape of sea, island, and the slower life pace that comes with that.
Her description of what living with depression can do to an individual with a child was well written without being boringly clinical.
The fact that two love stories played out within the book was a plus.
Well written.
I enjoy reading a book I can't put down and have to get to the end.
Profile Image for Charlie Conwell.
Author 13 books24 followers
July 30, 2018
Another beautiful piece of work

From the first word you are transported into the Greek scenery. The emotions palpable a love that was lost a chance to renew. Secrets to be told twists and turns with that feel good factor burning in your heart. Sophie and Gianna will just make you smile every step of the way. Maybe a chance to explore them more? Double or quits ? 😊😊😊 highly recommend
Profile Image for Angel.
329 reviews22 followers
August 11, 2018
I must admit that I felt a bit overwhelmed by Nikki and Ariana's turbulent emotions but this story definitely made me laugh and shake my head from time to time. I also enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Sakros and after reading this story, I think I will put the Greek islands on my bucket list of places I want to travel to. This author certainly knows how to hold me captive with such down to earth and lovable characters, heartbreaking circumstances and the breathtaking scenery of Sakros.
86 reviews
March 20, 2023
Things that are re meant to be.

A delightful novel about no matter how long it takes, or how far one hast to travel, true love will find its way of guidance mg lovers into each others lives.
And, when it does, one needs to be brave enough to seize its opportunity or it will be lost forever.
Thank you for taking me to one of my favorite places, Greece, to share the joys of so many wonderful characters. 🥰
Profile Image for JWG1973UK.
400 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2018
What an absolutely fantastic read. Once I read the first chapter I couldn't put the book down. I loved the storyline and all the characters. I loved the main characters of Ariana and Nikki but I totally fell in love with Gianna and Soph (Ariana's daughter). It would be nice if there was another book to continue with Soph and Gianna's story. I would highly recommend this book to all.
10 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2018
Wonderful tale

From start to finish, a totally engrossing story. Somany twists and turns. A look into the harm that can come from loved ones and the generosity and patience of those who truly care. I hope there will be a sequel. I want to see what lies ahead for these warm, loving people.
Profile Image for Marty Preslar.
Author 3 books14 followers
September 8, 2018
Stunning

A wonderful story about the powers of enduring love, true familial bonds, and a place that you truly feel is home. The juxtaposition of Ariana and Nikki overcoming two decades of heartbreak with the flowering of young love with Soph and Gianna is brilliant! Highly recommended!
152 reviews
September 22, 2018
Enjoyable Story

I really enjoyed this book. It is the first I have read from Ms. Nichols, but it won't be the last.

The only criticism I have is that she over used adjectives to the point that they became trite.

It's a good story with relatable characters. I definitely recommend.
78 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2018
Enchanted

I especially enjoyed the description of the island living and the people who called it home. And was continuously interested in both love stories of young and old, with the usual happy ending, great read.
15 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2018
Beautiful

The setting was captivating and the characters were intriguing. Young love and rekindled love amidst an unspoiled Greek isle. The author painted a great backdrop for the story. I was transported almost able to feel and smell the salty air.
123 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2018
Soulmates

Nicki and Adriana were meant to be even if one of them didn't fully realize it. To love someone so completely only to be denied is a hard pill to swallow. And to have a daughter follow in your footsteps but wiser is a joy or a curse. Read their story. Find their secrets. Enjoy....
24 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2019
Truly one great love story !

This book was one of the best love stories I’ve read in a long time. Each character was well formed, the story flowed smoothly and the narration of the Audible version was terrific. Mailed me want to visit the island.
11 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2020
I absolutely loved this book!!! The writing was beautiful, and enabled me to visualize the beautiful scenes so vividly. Like I was watching it unfold right in front of my eyes. Loved the storyline as well. Characters were well developed and enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you again Emma Nichols!
18 reviews
March 16, 2021
Read this!

I read it in one go, much to the chagrin of my wife. I dislike talking up a book to other readers, but...the depth of characters and supporting characters is enthralling. I have no idea how this hasn’t had only 5 stars. Well done.
Profile Image for Jesalyn.
27 reviews
August 12, 2018
It hurt in a good way. Good Read!

The love and angst where the from the beginning. Nikki, I feel in love with. I want one just like her!
22 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2018
Lovely story

What a lovely uplifting story about family and island life. I would love to see a sequel to see how both couples move forward
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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